The Transitional Edit: 7 Sophisticated Staples Fashion Editors Are Wearing On Repeat Right Now
Scroll down to discover seven transitional fashion items that we think belong in every wardrobe, from classic shirting to knitted dresses.

We've hit that awkward time of year when trying to dress for the weather feels impossible. One day, it's like the height of summer; the next, a biting chill makes layers a necessity. As I type, a thick fog is blocking my view from the window and I'm wrapped up in an Arket jumper. But earlier this week, I stepped out in a cotton sundress. Colour me confused.
With autumn just beginning it's tempting to dive straight into chunky knitwear and heavy coats, but the best way to ease into a new season is by assembling an entourage of transitional pieces. Think mid-weight jackets, versatile footwear and layering staples you can easily shed if the forecast changes. And before you start thinking about trends, make sure you have the foundations in place first, prioritising classic silhouettes and colour palettes you know you'll wear throughout autumn 2025 and beyond.
So, when you're building your between-season outfits, have the following seven items at the ready. Armed with these building-block pieces, looking on-point for the tricky transition will be simpler than ever.
Shop the Best Transtional Pieces, According to Fashion Editors:
1. Crisp Cotton Shirt
Style Notes: This one is easy, because we consider a simple cotton shirt to be a year-round staple. For autumn, try styling a crisp button-down under knitwear or your jacket of choice, tucked into anything from a mini skirt to wide-leg jeans.
Shop the Staple:
2. Trench Coat
Style Notes: If you haven't already added a trench coat to your repertoire, now is the perfect time. This versatile layer will seamlessly carry you into the cooler season, giving all your outfits a touch of Parisian elegance.
Shop the Staple:
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: You might need to wear your ballet flats with socks once the temperature drops, but they're an effortless option for the transitional period. I think we can all agree this pretty style has solidified itself as an essential shoe.
Shop the Staple:
4. Blue Jeans
Style Notes: As shorts season draws to a close, we're back to relying on our fail-safe jeans day in, day out. Refresh your collection with some of the timeless iterations hitting new-in sections this month.
Shop the Staple:
5. Relaxed Blazer
Style Notes: Instead of bee-lining to bulky layers, use a streamlined layer to smarten up your cosy looks. A style with wool in the composition is a clever choice if you're sensitive to the cold.
Shop the Staple:
6. Neutral Cardigan
Style Notes: Celebrate the return of sweater weather with a knitwear refresh, starting with a comfy cardigan in a neutral hue that you can toss on over everything.
Shop the Staple:
7. Knitted Dress
Style Notes: Do anyone else's energy levels drop off come autumn? As a self-confessed lazy dresser, I'll be reaching for my favourite knitted dresses to look polished with minimal effort.
Shop the Staple:
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
-
Not Brown, Not Black—the Leather-Jacket Trend Everyone Chic Is Pairing With Jeans and Skirts for Fall
Cool and sophisticated at the same time.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—I Can’t Get These 23 Chic Sweaters Off of My Mind
From crewnecks to cashmere.
-
I Tried an AI Personal Stylist—Here's Everything It Picked Out for My Fall Wardrobe
From Vivrelle, Revolve, and Fwrd.
-
Calf-Hair, Suede, Espresso—30 LuxuriousReplica Store Items I'm a Little Too in Love With
Simply stunning.
-
I StalkedReplica Store's New Arrivals All Week—30 Sophisticated Fall Finds I Can't Stop Thinking About
Suede totes and pleated trousers ahead.
-
Skip the Flats—Cindy Crawford's L.A. Denim Trend Looks Better With Heels
Spotted in West Hollywood.
-
I Swapped My Go-To Neutrals for Stripes This Fall—Here's Why You Should Too
Because fall fashion should be fun.
-
These FP New Arrivals Are a Fashion Person's Fall Dream—34 Items You'll See in the NYC Streets
The ultimate shopping temptation.